Aside from her early multiple foster home upbringing and surrounded by rumors, alleged affairs, a death conspiracy and more, Marilyn (born Norma Jeane Mortenson and baptized Norma Jeane Baker) became a cultural, pop, beauty and sex symbol icon for the ages.

Young Norma Jeane married in 1942 at 16 and when her husband, Jim Dougherty, went to the Pacific during World War II, the young lady’s career as a model began (as Norma Jeane Dougherty), ultimately gracing the covers of many magazines and leading to a movie contract and a divorce.

Initially her movie stage name was Carole Lind, soon changed to Jeane Monroe and finally she and the studio decided upon Marilyn Monroe.

Though the following scenes from 1948’s Ladies of the Chorus is not her actual first appearance on the big screen, it was her first major role. Her first appearance, uncredited, was in 1947’s The Shocking Miss Pilgrim.All told, Marilyn completed 32 motion pictures in her short 15 year Hollywood career. Her first starring role was in the 1952 film Don’t Bother to Knock. Her last role was in the unfinished Something’s Got To Give.Her many challenges as a woman making it in the world of Tinseltown, glamour and fame may not be the most that have been overcome and the constant conjecture of homicide over suicide have undoubtedly added to her mystery. Regardless, the lady was, indeed, a mega-star and combined beauty and talent as few others have ever done.